Commandeered Dear Abby: COLLEGE-BOUND COUPLE READY TO GIVE LONG-DISTANCE A TRY

DEAR SURLY, I am an 18-year-old high school senior who will be leaving for college soon. My boyfriend, also a senior, will be leaving, too. We have been going out for the past two years and trust each other completely. We attended different schools, so we are both fairly adapted to a 'long-distance relationship.'

The problem is I will be going to college in Florida while he will be staying in Michigan. Neither of us wants to break up, but we understand the enormous changes that will be taking place soon. I don't want to force any unnecessary stress upon him, and I know he feels the same. What are the chances of a long-distance relationship like this working out? Do you have any tips for maintaining it? -- COLLEGE-BOUND

COLLEGE, by advise is to make one date. It's going to be several months in the future, and you will agree to be civil to each other on this date.

You see, you're both going to see some more of the world, and there's really no way to tell what you'll see or how that will alter your perception of the world. Be prepared for change. There's a reason you here so few stories of high-school sweet hearts married for 50 happy years ... because it doesn't happen too often. Even after high school you have some growing up to do.

If you look at other people's experience, you're heading into a stage that is rife with change, and you and this boy mayn't come out on the same page after a splash into this new realm. That's okay. If you meet up in a few months, and you're still dedicated to each other, great! If you've found you're not where you thought you'd be, that's expected, and great too.

See Abby's responses at http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20100517